The civil war within the Federated Commonwealth rages unabated. Katrina Steiner-Davion continues her tyrannical rule as her deposed brother, Victor, slowly wins back the empire Katrina stole from him. Now, with the Clans striking out once more from their occupation zone and violence chewing up armies on dozens of worlds, Victor prepares what he hopes is the final assault to stop his sister's plans. His battlefield: the Star League conference, where Katrina is maneuvering herself into position to become leader of the entire Inner Sphere!

But even as Victor looks toward victory, Katrina's carefully laid plans develop a more personal - and sinister - offensive. A torch, lit by the flames of treachery, threatens to start a blaze that will consume Victor, the civil war, and the entire Inner Sphere...